Vitamin K6

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Vitamin K6

Vitamin K6 is a form of Vitamin K, a group of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins, primarily required for blood coagulation but also involved in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue.

Chemical Structure

Vitamin K6, like other forms of Vitamin K, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is structurally similar to other forms of Vitamin K, with a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone nucleus and a side chain at the 3-position.

Function

Vitamin K6, like other forms of Vitamin K, is involved in the carboxylation of certain glutamate residues in proteins to form gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla) residues. This modification allows the protein to bind calcium, an essential event in the blood clotting cascade.

Sources

Vitamin K6 is not naturally occurring and is therefore not found in food sources. It is a synthetic form of Vitamin K, produced in a laboratory setting.

Deficiency

A deficiency in Vitamin K6, like other forms of Vitamin K, can lead to a coagulation defect, which can result in bleeding. This is because Vitamin K is necessary for the production of clotting factors in the liver.

Toxicity

Excessive intake of Vitamin K6 can lead to a condition known as vitamin K toxicity. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including jaundice, anemia, and brain damage.

See Also

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin K1
• Vitamin K2
• Vitamin K3
• Vitamin K4
• Vitamin K5

References

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